Friday 14 October 2011

How to apply makeup like a professional-steps

Foundation Primer

Foundation primers are used to help your makeup last all day. There are foundation primers for different skin tones, and you can also use foundation primer as a concealer. Generally speaking, you will apply primer with your fingers before applying foundation.

Foundation

Begin your day with clean and moisturized skin. Use cleansers designed for your specific skin tone, and then apply a light moisturizer; let your moisturizer dry before applying cosmetics to your skin. There are a few options when it comes to the application of foundation, and the process differs based on the formula of foundation you choose.
Moose or cream foundations are best applied and blended with your fingertips. You are also able to use makeup sponge applicators; however, the best results are with fingertips. The reason is because the heat from your fingers warms up the foundation, making it easier to move around and blend.
Liquid foundations are also easily blended with fingers, but a stippling foundation makeup brush is a great alternative. Pour a little foundation onto the back of your hand between your thumb and pointer finger. Next, dab your finger into the foundation, and then apply small dots of foundation on your jaw line, cheeks, nose, forehead and neck; continue blending until your face is covered with no harsh lines. If you are using a stippling brush, then you still pour a small amount of foundation onto the back of your hand, but dip your brush into the foundation instead. Apply the foundation with small circular strokes all around your face and neck.
Mineral foundations are a lot easier to apply, and work for all skin types. You can apply mineral powder foundation by collecting the powder onto a makeup brush; then simply apply the powder in circular motions on your face and neck until you have the desired coverage.

Concealer

You can choose to use concealer before or after foundation. If you want to hide skin imperfections like age spots, freckles, dark circles or pimples, you can opt to use concealer before foundation. Concealer should be one shade lighter or exactly the shade of your skin tone. Be sure you are blending the concealer out well so that your face looks flawless.

Eye Makeup

This step is what makes or breaks a makeup look, and it will also take the longest to perfect. Begin with eye shadow primer to make the shadow last all day, and then use eye shadow; you can use one color, or you can use more to create a smokey eye look. Moving along, eyeliner comes in a variety of colors, and the most frequently used eyeliner is black; however, if you don’t want an exaggerated look, go for a dark brown or deep shade of purple to make the whites of your eyes look even whiter. Apply eyeliner on the upper lash line to ground your lashes and make them look fuller. The last step involves mascara; apply mascara with a back and fourth motion to separate the lashes and avoid clumps. This adds drama to your eyes without using bright colors or a lot of effort.

Blush

Blush is applied to the apples of your cheeks. Blush will often darken with the temperature of the body, so be sure to use this cosmetic sparingly. Swipe a makeup brush over your blush once to pick up the color, and then smile. Apply the blush to the apples of your cheeks or slightly below, and move the brush towards your hairline and temples. Repeat on the other side.
Once you’ve mastered the basics of applying makeup, you’ll be more comfortable experimenting with new products, methods of application and styles of makeup, and revel in the way makeup boosts your mood. The most important thing to remember is to blend, blend, blend! If you’re not blending makeup, then people will notice, and you may look unattractive. Begin with neutral shades that flatter all skin tones, and you’ll surely have a positive makeup experience.